Black Elk Speaks

In the spring time, two Lakota families decide to travel south “for our own country where we used to be happy” (119). During the trip, Black Elk is again overcome with a sensation, and hears a voice telling him to watch out for something bad to happen. Black Elk spies two Blackfeet warriors planning to attack the Lakota camp, and Black Elk tells his people to flee. Black Elk prays to the Grandfathers to help them, and shortly after, a thunder cloud appears, providing the fleeing Lakotas with cover from the Blackfeet warriors. 

Black Elk believes the thunder cloud is a sign of his strengthening power. The Lakota reach the Soldier’s Town, where they camp with other Lakota who had fled the reservations. Black Elk frequently hears animals calling out to him, telling him it is time to do what his Grandfathers had intended him to. However, Black Elk is afraid of these voices, as he remains unsure of what his Grandfathers want him to use his power for. Black Elk finally grows so afraid that he decides to tell a medicine man, Black Road, about his vision. Black Road tells Black Elk that the fear will dissipate if Black Elk follows his “duty” and performs the vision as a “horse dance” for the rest of his people (123).